Publication Updated on May 28 2020
Plotting a 7-day moving average of new deaths per day for all 50 states, DC, and a national total. The moving average is used to smooth out spikes in under-reporting on weekends. The number and color for each state refer to the number of deaths for the day on which data is most recently available (May 26 2020).
The goal of this post is to simplify the wash of Coronavirus data visualizations currently obfuscating a true national understanding of the United States Coronavirus pandemic. As Edward Tufte puts it, the guiding principle for design is thus:
Graphical Excellence is that which gives to the viewer the greatest number of ideas in the shortest time with the least ink in the smallest space.
By looking at one metric - deaths per day, we can quickly come to an understanding of the levels of crisis in each state. The different mechanisms of sorting allow for comparison in scale, scope, and speed of the virus’s path through the United States.
I have tried my best to reimagine Coronavirus visualizations in the context of Tufte’s advice, and would love to hear what you like, and especially what you don’t like, about my efforts. Please contact me at francisabritschgi@gmail.com to share whatever feedback or questions you have.